Abstract: A solar panel array system comprising one or more groups of panels, the panels within each group being connected in parallel with each other, and a two-stage split solar inverter. The split inverter comprises a first stage and a second stage. The first stage comprises one or more DC-to-DC converters, each having a first input port and a first output port. Each solar panel within a group of solar panels is connected in parallel to the first input port. The second stage comprises a DC-to-AC inverter having a second input port and a second output port. The first outputs of each DC-to-DC converter are connected in parallel to the second input port of the DC-to-AC inverter. When each DC-to-DC converter is positioned in close proximity to the corresponding group and when the second stage is positioned remotely from it, the second output port provides power to an AC power line.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to long-distance, 3-phase, AC electricity transmission structures. In one embodiment, the structure comprises an array of beams, the array comprising a sub-array of 3N active beams, wherein N is an integer, one passive beam on the right side of the sub-array of active beams; and one passive beam on the left side of the sub-array of active beams. The centers of the cross-section of each of the active and passive beams lie in a single plane. In another embodiment, the structure comprises an array of 3N metal active beams, wherein N is an integer; and a tunnel of rectangular cross-section with either 90 degree or rounded corners. The array of beams is mounted within the tunnel, and the two side walls of the tunnel are lined with a highly conductive metal having a thickness similar to the thickness of metal used in the active beams.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to long-distance, 3-phase, AC electricity transmission structures. In one embodiment, the structure comprises an array of beams, the array comprising a sub-array of 3N active beams, wherein N is an integer, one passive beam on the right side of the sub-array of active beams; and one passive beam on the left side of the sub-array of active beams. The centers of the cross-section of each of the active and passive beams lie in a single plane. In another embodiment, the structure comprises an array of 3N metal active beams, wherein N is an integer; and a tunnel of rectangular cross-section with either 90 degree or rounded corners. The array of beams is mounted within the tunnel, and the two side walls of the tunnel are lined with a highly conductive metal having a thickness similar to the thickness of metal used in the active beams.

Abstract: A testing apparatus or test jig is configured to accept a electrical device for testing prior to final assembly. In one example, a pair of conductive conveying belts compliantly engage a partially assembled photovoltaic (PV) module by its sides, and electrodes engage orthogonal sides of the module. The test apparatus or jig can be use for a variety of electrical tests, and may, for example be connected to a high potential (HiPot) tester.

Abstract: A testing apparatus or test jig is configured to accept a electrical device for testing prior to final assembly. In one example, a pair of conductive conveying belts compliantly engage a partially assembled photovoltaic (PV) module by its sides, and electrodes engage orthogonal sides of the module. The test apparatus or jig can be use for a variety of electrical tests, and may, for example be connected to a high potential (HiPot) tester.

Abstract: A solar panel utilizes at least one and, in one embodiment, three protective layers to eliminate the need for a metal frame. The protective layers may include one inorganic layer and two polymer layers, which are cured onto an underside of the panel. In one embodiment, the protective layers are cured over lateral edges of certain of the layers of the solar panel, including for example the conductor layers, semiconductor junction, and reflector layer. The protective layers may extend to cover an exposed edge along an underside of panel's superstrate. In one embodiment, the lateral edge of the superstrate is contoured to resist damage from rough handling and/or exposure to the elements. A support platform may be provided, and the solar panel secured thereon by way of interposing an adhesive between an underside of the panel and the support platform.

Abstract: An array of independent single-axis tracking solar panel assemblies is provided which, compared to prior-art “ganged” tracking assemblies, can reduce production, installation, and operation costs of solar panel arrays, reduce power loss and down-time in the event of single-point failure, and increase annual power production. Each independent single-axis tracking solar panel assembly has one or more solar panels mounted on a rotatable support structure and its own motor, its own motor controller, and its own reduction gear box. Each assembly is supported at two points, one in the north and one in the south, so that the one or more solar panels in an assembly are rotated from east to west to track the angle of the sun. Each independent assembly may be wired directly to a power inverter and all may be wired in parallel. Each is protected with a series diode so that if one shorts, it cannot shunt power from another. If one fails, the power from each of the others continues to the power inverter, unaffected.

Abstract: A solar panel system and method wherein unframed solar panels are positioned on support beams above a support structure in a configuration that leaves two of the edges of the solar panels unframed. This avoids trapping of water and dirt and the like, which occurs with prior art, framed panels. A liner comprised of a compliant material may be interposed between the support beams and the two panel edges so as to protect those two edges, while leaving the remaining two edges in their original, unframed condition.

Abstract: A solar panel array that comprises at least two vertical supports, a horizontal support, and at least one solar panel positioned thereon. The vertical supports are provided with a gradual twist, preferably following an extrusion process, so as to permit the supports to rotate as they are pounded into the ground.

Abstract: A method to produce barrier coatings (such as nitrides, oxides, carbides) for large area thin film devices such as solar panels or the like using a high frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process is presented. The proposed process provides a uniform deposition of barrier coating(s) such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon carbide (SiNx, SiO2, SiC) at a high deposition rate on thin film devices such as silicon based thin film devices at low temperature. The proposed process deposits uniform barrier coatings (nitrides, oxides, carbides) on large area substrates (about 1 m×0.5 m and larger) at a high frequency (27-81 MHz). Stable plasma maintained over a large area substrate at high frequencies allows high ionization density resulting in high reaction rates at lower temperature.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling sheets of printing media for booklets. In one aspect the sheets are folded, sheet-by-sheet, and in another aspect the sheets are collected, sheet-by-sheet, and registered on a fold in each sheet. In still another aspect printed sheets are loaded, sheet-by-sheet, into the apparatus. Each sheet is trimmed to a pre-determined width depending on the position of the sheet in the booklet being assembled. The sheets are thereafter folded, sheet-by-sheet, and collected into a stack. The method and apparatus have particular application in finishing duplex printed sheets of paper into saddle-stitched booklets.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling sheets of printing media for booklets. In one aspect the sheets are folded, sheet-by-sheet, and in another aspect the sheets are collected, sheet-by-sheet, and registered on a fold in each sheet. In still another aspect printed sheets are loaded, sheet-by-sheet, into the apparatus. Each sheet is trimmed to a pre-determined width depending on the position of the sheet in the booklet being assembled. The sheets are thereafter folded, sheet-by-sheet, and collected into a stack. The method and apparatus have particular application in finishing duplex printed sheets of paper into saddle-stitched booklets.

Abstract: A magnetic tape is packed prior to removal from a tape drive. The tape is packed by completely unwinding the tape and then completely rewinding the tape without reading or writing to the tape. Completely unwinding the tape and then completely rewinding the tape reduces air entrainment and thereby reduces the susceptibility of the tape to damage after removal from the tape drive.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling sheets of printing media for booklets. In one aspect the sheets are folded, sheet-by-sheet, and in another aspect the sheets are collected, sheet-by-sheet, and registered on a fold in each sheet. In still another aspect printed sheets are loaded, sheet-by-sheet, into the apparatus. Each sheet is trimmed to a pre-determined width depending on the position of the sheet in the booklet being assembled. The sheets are thereafter folded, sheet-by-sheet, and collected into a stack. The method and apparatus have particular application in finishing duplex printed sheets of paper into saddle-stitched booklets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering a roll core with a polymeric material, preferably a high performance thermoplastic material, is disclosed. The method includes first providing a cylindrical roll core having two ends, a length, and an outer surface. A spacer assembly is attached proximate one end of the roll core, the spacer assembly having a circumference greater than that of the roll core. After preheating to a desired temperature, the roll core is then placed within an apparatus in a substantially vertical orientation and held therein by suitable fixtures, e.g., opposed universal chucks. A length of mold tape is helically wound over the length of the roll core in a spaced-apart relationship therewith to define an application zone between the mold tape and the roll core outer surface. A filament formed of the polymeric material is extruded within the application zone and helically wound over the roll core outer surface so that the roll core is covered with the material.

Abstract: A magnetic tape is packed prior to removal from a tape drive. The tape is packed by completely unwinding the tape and then completely rewinding the tape without reading or writing to the tape. Completely unwinding the tape and then completely rewinding the tape reduces air entrainment and thereby reduces the susceptibility of the tape to damage after removal from the tape drive.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive cartridge includes a housing and a capture material such as double-backed adhesive tape secured to an inner surface of the housing. The capture material can capture debris such as wear particles, dust and dirt within the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering a roll core with a polymeric material, preferably a high performance thermoplastic material, is disclosed. The method includes first providing a cylindrical roll core having two ends, a length, and an outer surface. A spacer assembly is attached proximate one end of the roll core, the spacer assembly having a circumference greater than that of the roll core. After preheating to a desired temperature, the roll core is then placed within an apparatus in a substantially vertical orientation and held therein by suitable fixtures, e.g., opposed universal chucks. A length of mold tape is helically wound over the length of the roll core in a spaced-apart relationship therewith to define an application zone between the mold tape and the roll core outer surface. A filament formed of the polymeric material is extruded within the application zone and helically wound over the roll core outer surface so that the roll core is covered with the material.